Strategic Tips To Start A Homestead Right Where You Are
Let me give you a quick word of advice before I tell you how to start a homestead.
THE BIGGEST issue people have and why they fail or give up on their homestead is this.
They get all the animals, try to learn all the skills, try to grow all the things in year one and end up burnt out. Physically, mentally, monetarily and dare I say emotionally.
Don’t jump the gun and start with intention.
It’s not to say you can’t have fun and get the things you enjoy. I want you to love what you do with your homestead. But you have to start with intention and “habit stack” with your homestead projects. The saying “everything in moderation” applies to this too. You can’t completely blow up your life and expect to stick with it.
Should I Start A Homestead?
Honestly, no one can decide that but you. But here are the big drawbacks that I see people completely miss or not think about when they are starting their homestead.
- Animals still need care in the dead of winter, when you’re feeling sick, and on the days that you just don’t want to.
- If you like to vacation often it can be hard to find a homestead sitter that can maintain everything while you’re gone. Or to be honest aren’t scared of chickens.
- Having a garden sounds easy but a garden still needs to be weeded and tended to In the heat of the summer and on the weeks when you want to go take a vacation.
None of these things are easy and take a lot of work. Are you ready for it?
What’s The Difference Between Hobby Farming & Homesteading?
Honestly, the only difference between farming and homesteading is the level of seriousness people take.
A hobby farm is something that someone takes a little less seriously and isn’t looking to get a livelihood from what they produce. The occasional fresh snacks from the garden are a treat and they may not even eat the meat that they could produce.
Homesteaders depend on the amount they can produce to feed their families. Even if they can’t do enough for the whole year. A large portion of their meals are homegrown.
Also, homesteaders do a lot more of the work themselves. They will preserve any food that they make and sometimes go as far as making things like their own flower.
But in all honesty, it’s what you want to raise not what other people think. You should do the level of rural living that makes you happy and excited.
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Cons Of Starting A Homestead
I know right! How could I not just create this rainbows and butterfly picture of homesteading and building this amazing lifestyle.
The truth is it is amazing. But it also has some really hard set drawbacks as well.
- Animal Care Is Hard To Find: You have to find someone willing to care for the animals you have when you go on vacation or longer than 24 hours. It’s not the same as taking a dog to a kennel and unfortunately, not many people are comfortable around farm animals.
- You will likely give up your vacation time: They still need watered tended all through the summer in warm months going on vacation without anyone there to tend it will likely leave you coming back to an overgrown weed patch and wilted plants.
- Expense: Homesteads can be as expensive or affordable as you want to make it. You have to be quilling to set a budget and be willing to stay within the boundaries to say yes we can do this or no this is too expensive. Set up a budget and be willing to DIY and bootstrap as much as you can.
Be Realistic In Your Expectations
The more self sustaining you go the more work it’s going to take.
It makes me laugh but feel sorry for people who expect themselves to do everything. From making their own bread to raising meat chickens and growing a year’s worth of vegetables. All the while still going to work and keeping their kids alive.
You might find this hard to believe but honest to God you can’t do everything.
When we think of “pioneers” or in the early 1800s when people did do all of those things and before manufacturing was a thing. Homesteading was their JOB they weren’t leaving to go make money at a 9-5.
So give yourself some grace in that area.
All in all, really take a look at the lifestyle you want to have before you buy land or try to get started doing anything that will take a huge investment when starting your homestead.
Start With A Plan
Take the time to skim through blogs, magazines, books, and catalogs. Allow yourself to dream for a bit. But then make sure to create a plan that will build the lifestyle you want. Not just a homestead that looks good on paper build off of the “should dos” that other people have said is what a successful homestead looks like.
Create A Big Picture Vision
You don’t have to make a vision board if you just want to raise chickens and have a small garden. Buuuut if you have a big vision then yes I think having a visual picture is a good idea.
You can make a Pinterest board or write it out in a notebook. Whatever works for you. But do something that will give you an “at a glance” picture of what you want to have on your homestead will help you stay focused. It will also help you recognize when you’ve hit the goal you’ve been working towards.
When you don’t know what you’re working towards you will end up with wasted time and money.
Make Sure Your Big Vision Lines Up With The Lifestyle You Want To Live
This might sound a little wired of me to say right now because if you are in the beginning stages of planning your homestead journey you are likely starry-eyed.
But the truth of the matter is what I listed above about the cons of homesteading are all facts.
But here are other things you need to realize.
- Do you want to have to feed animals every morning or evening no matter the whether or holiday?
- If you have a dairy animal do you want to have to be home at a certain time every day no matter if you are Christmas shopping with your family because if you don’t your animal will be in pain or worse.
- Do you want to have to handle predator attacks.
- Wild animals getting into your garden and eating everything you’ve worked for.
This might sound like I am party pooper BUT I promise you I simply intend for you to thing about the realities of this lifestyle so you don’t end up regretting everything you’ve built down the road.
So simply just sit with it if you’re not sure. There is no deadline or rush.
Create An Action Plan
This looks like taking the two projects that are the simplest to get started.
- Creating a step by step DETAILED project plan list.
- Following those two projects through to completion.
- THEN creating a workflow and system for operating that project daily.
Don’t try to add on more things to your plate until those things you started with feel like second nature.
When you know what you’re working towards and what your end goals are you can stick to that and not get distracted by shiny objects or that pretty chicken that you just can’t say no to at the farm supply store.
If you need help creating a plan make sure to grab my free Country Lifestyle Action Planner HERE.
Start Slow
It’s not a rush to see how quickly you can get all of your farm animals that you want to have. Or how many square feet you can make your garden before June. I get it. You are excited and ready to do all the things.
But that the people who will last are the people who can keep going when the dopamine subsites and the excitement wears off.
Having a homestead is about enjoying the process and creating a sustainable pace. Not one that will burn you out before winter.
If you are starting in a new warm season then you have a little bit of time to start with one maybe two projects.
Pick your favorite or top two that you would like to see done this year. If you can’t decide, start with the one that would cost you the least amount of money to get started.
Be Flexible With What You Choose To Raise
When it comes to homesteading there are so many different options.
It’s important to remember that it’s okay to change your mind and experiment with different options. What works for one farm may not work for another, so it’s important to consider what is right for you, your land, and your daily lifestyle goals.
Making the decision to specialize in something can be difficult, and it’s important to recognize that just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s not the right option for you. It just means you may have to work to get good at it.
Be willing to try different options and see what works best for you and your farm in the long run.
Give Homesteading The Time It Needs
Becoming a homesteader is exciting, but it’s important to understand the time and commitment required to make a successful transition. Expecting everything to go well and be the way you dream it to be within the first year or two will leave you severely disappointed.
For retirees looking to start a hobby farm, remember to take things slow and not to overwhelm yourself with too many responsibilities at once. Be realistic of what you can do physically. I get so many emails from people who struggle with what to do because they can’t do the necessary work anymore.
AND THATS OK. You just have to adjust you expectations.
Young people may need to find a balance between their career and their new farm chores. Stay-at-home moms with kids can involve their children in the process, teaching them important life skills while managing their farm BUT keep in mind that it is still a lot of work to manage while raising humans.
To transition smoothly into a homesteader, start by setting realistic goals and expectations for yourself. — know yourself and what you value. Do you like peace and space in your calendar? Or are you ok with a little chaos?
Prioritize your time and learn to be flexible with your schedule. It’s also crucial to seek out a farming community of fellow homesteaders for support and advice. Even if they are online.
With dedication and proper planning, it’s possible to successfully balance a career with the responsibilities of a hobby farm. But add one piece in at a time. Don’t expect yourself to land on your feet with a complete life change.
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What Do I Need to Start a Homestead?
If you’re looking to start a hobby farm, there are a few essential tools you’ll need to get started, no matter what type of farm you’re planning to create. If you’re interested in growing fruit and vegetables, you’ll need basic gardening tools like a shovel, hoe, rake, and watering can. For keeping livestock, you’ll need items like a fence, feeding troughs, and shelter. If you’re considering beekeeping, you’ll need a hive, protective gear, and a smoker.
When considering the size of your hobby farm, it’s important to do research on how much land is required for the type of livestock you want to raise. If you’re planning to grow vegetables or sell eggs, it’s often recommended to start small and expand as you gain experience.
Starting a hobby farm can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor, but it’s important to have the right tools and resources to get started. With a little research and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to creating the country lifestyle of your dreams.
First Steps To Starting A Homestead
There are a few key factors to consider before diving in. First, take a good look at the size of your property.
Do you have enough space to accommodate the type of farm you want? If not this is the time to set realistic expectations. You’ll also want to consider your available time and resources. Starting a hobby farm is a commitment, so make sure you have the time and energy to devote to it.
Next, think about what types of livestock or crops you are interested in. Different animals and plants require different levels of care and attention, so choose ones that align with your interests and capacity.
It’s also crucial to research local regulations and zoning laws. You want to make sure that your hobby farm is compliant with all legal requirements. This could include restrictions on the number of animals you can have, the types of structures you can build, especially if you are within the city limits.
Set Your Start-Up Budget
Starting a hobby farm can be an exciting and daunting experience. One of the most important steps in getting your hobby farm off the ground is setting a budget. This will help you plan and allocate your resources effectively, allowing you to navigate the financial aspect of your hobby farm with clarity and confidence.
Here are some essential steps to help you set your start-up budget.
1. Assess Your Needs: Before diving into the numbers, take the time to assess your hobby farm needs. Consider everything from livestock, garden setup, and equipment to building a structure. This will help you determine the necessary expenses for getting your business up and running.
2. Calculate Your Fixed Costs: Fixed costs are the essential expenses that stay constant each month, such as feed, seed, and price-out equipment. Calculate these costs to get a clear understanding of the minimum amount of money you will need to get your hobby farm operating.
3. Estimate Your Variable Costs: Variable costs are the expenses that fluctuate depending on your farm activity, such as the feeding of spring, buying supplies, and sometimes things just break down. Estimating these costs will give you a better idea of how your expenses may change as your business grows.
4. Consider One-Time Expenses: In addition to your ongoing costs, don’t forget to account for any one-time expenses, such as buying livestock or equipment that will last.
Setting a start-up budget is a fundamental step in the sustainability of your hobby farm. You don’t want to jump in a realize you don’t have the cash to finish a project.
Create Sinking Funds
Sinking funds are a great way to set money aside for specific financial goals. Whether it’s saving for a new farm project (for me a Highlander cow) repairs or some piece of equipment to make your life easier, having sinking funds in place can help you stay on track with your financial goals.
Start by listing out the different sinking funds you want to create. Once you have your list, allocate specific amounts to each fund based on your financial goals. THIS SPREADSHEET ON ETSY is really similer to the spreadsheet I bought that helped me have all of my sinking funds in one account and know what the total amount needed to be in savings to hit those goals. – The one I bought over a year ago is no longer sold.
By setting up sinking funds, you can effectively plan for future expenses and avoid being caught off guard. It’s a great way to take control of your finances and work towards achieving your financial goals. So start creating your sinking funds today and start saving for the things that matter most to you.
DIY As Much As You Can Yourself
Owning a hobby farm can be a rewarding experience, both in terms of personal satisfaction and potential income. One way to save money and increase your earnings is by taking on various tasks yourself.
From building structures like barns and coops to growing your own food and raising animals, there are numerous ways to cut costs and maximize your profits. By doing these tasks yourself, you can avoid hiring outside help and save on labor expenses.
To ensure that you are being as cost-effective and efficient as possible, it’s important to research the most effective DIY methods for tasks such as repairs, construction, and maintenance. This might involve learning new skills, using the right tools, and finding the best materials for the job.
Ultimately, the more you can do yourself on your hobby farm, the more money you can save and the more potential income you can generate. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to tackle those tasks DIY style!
Country Lifestyle Action Planner
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Don’t Forget Your Monthly Expenses Budget
Keeping track of your monthly expenses is an important step to not creating a country lifestyle you can’t keep up with. It’s really easy to start adding this animal and that animal to your hobby farm but then forget that it adds up.
Start by listing all of your monthly expenses, then look at how much you have left over. This will help you know what type of projects you can do on your farm for the time being.
This will help you see where your money is going each month and make adjustments as needed. Trust me. The short amount of fun bringing on a new animal will be dimmed by the financial stress it will bring.
Tracking your expenses is crucial to staying within your budget. There are plenty of apps and tools available to help you keep track of your spending, which can make the process easier and more manageable. Remember, every little bit adds up, so staying on top of your budget is KEY to not burning out on your country lifestyle
Do What You Can Right Where You Are
You don’t have to have your entire homestead set up right away and you certainly don’t need to have the perfect property.
- If you have a patio that gets 6+ hours of light, grow herbs in pots.
- Or have hanging baskets off of your porch.
- If you have a small backyard that allows chickens you can have three hens and get farm fresh eggs every morning.
There are lots of ways to do little things that get you closer to your dream goals. For my students I call it the “how close are you” test. Often times we are way closer than we think.
It just may take a little creativity and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Choose one or two things that you really want to do and see what can you do to get to that goal even in a small way.
Ultimately start with the projects that matter most to you and get you closer to YOUR dream lifestyle.
Feel like you are not getting anywhere with your homestead lifestyle?
If you need help creating a clear action plan to reach your dream rural lifestyle goals you need to save your seat inside the plant your farm year course.
By the end of this course you will be able to plan your next 12 months to reach your homestead goal.